Drown in Relaxation
Have you ever wondered how a day in the life of Mowgli felt like? Well, wonder no more! Deep in the forests and jungles of Sabah lies countless havens that will leave you forgetting about the tired, over-worked, fast-paced life of the city. Where just a few days there will make you understand what true serenity and relaxation truly means.
1. Borneo Rainforest Lodge
This award-winning lodge boasts 30 individual chalets equipped with fans and en-suite bathrooms and is able to accommodate a maximum of just 60 guests at any one time.
The chalets were designed with green conservation exercising eco sensitive structure in mind and each one has its own outdoor tub attached to a deck that allows its guests to have a glorious view of the countryside.
Borneo Rainforest Lodge is near to the Danum Valley Conservation Area with 438 square kilometres of untouched flora and fauna, which is serves as a habitat for 124 species of mammals, 340 species of birds, 72 species of reptiles, 56 species of amphibians and an incredible 200 species of plants per hectare.
Price: From MYR 3,190.60 (includes Return Transfer to Hotel, Full Board Package, Permits & Guides)
Address: Block D, Lot 10, Ground Floor, Sadong Jaya Complex, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Contact No.: +60 88 267637
Website: Here
2. Sepilok Forest Edge Resort
A resort that opens all year long, this resort has something for everyone, be it backpackers or families on a luxury holiday. For those who are excited to see the mysterious Orang Utan, a species of ape found only on the island of Borneo, the resort is just 700 meters walking distance from the world-renowned Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Center.
One of the best attractions of this resort is its day tours such as its Kinabatangan river cruise, mangrove firefly cruise and Libaran turtle island camping.
You can choose from a variety of accommodations including chalets and longhouses.
Price: RM40 for 1 Pax to Rm590 for 5 Pax (not inclusive of 6% GST)
Address: Jalan Rambutan-Sepilok, Mile 14, Sepilok Road, Sepilok, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah
Contact No.: +60 89 533 190 | +60 89 533 245 | +60 13 88 59 890
Website: Here
3. The Last Frontier Boutique Resort
Nestled amidst Kampung Blit, Kinabatangan, is offers a panoramic view over the entire Kinabatangan Forest Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary.
The only access to the lodge is by walking up a 250meter long staircase, which is made up by a total of 538 steps which will lead through the lush frontier forest .
The steps were built to preserve the forest on its own undulating terrain, and protect the natural habitat where the rarest wildlife of the entire South East Asia can be found, especially for those endangered Orang Utans, Proboscis Monkeys, Hornbills and Pygmy Elephants.
Guests can choose from 2 choices of room accommodation and all rooms have attached bathrooms with hot and cold showers as well as being fully equipped with modern amenities to fulfill their every need.
Price: RM500 (2D1N itinerary) per Pax and RM 600 (3D3N itinerary) per Pax
Address: PPM 309, Elopura, Sandakan 90000, Sabah
Contact No.: +6016-676-5922
Website: Here
4. Abai Jungle Lodge
If you desire a simple setting, look no further than this quaint place. Situated at 47 km from the river mouth of Kinabatangan River, it accommodates 24 rooms, has a restaurant & bar, and has jungle access.
Although simple, is well maintained, clean and comfortable. The 18 stilted wooden chalets are divided into small blocks of two or three, all en suite, with fans and hot water.
Price: Packages start at USD 218 per pax (2 pax minimum)
Address: Kampung Abai, Kota Kinabatangan, Sabah
Contact No.: +6089-213502
Website: Here
5. Borneo Nature Lodge
This friendly eco-lodge is filled with a warm atmosphere and a concentration on sustainability.
It is dependent entirely upon solar energy you will witness the different ways in which the lodge ensures the highest levels of sustainability. The 20ft high watch tower doubles up as a solar panel tower as well as offering a bird’s eye view of the flora and fauna of the majestic jungle.
Guests can choose from 12 rooms and most of the chalet buildings are built out of wood and the roof is made from metal sheets.
Price: N/A (please refer to travel websites or agents)
Address: 41, Block 3, 1st Floor, Prima Square, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah
Contact No.: +60 13-886 9501
Website: Here
6. Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge, Sukau
This lodge puts an emphasis on the surrounding natural world and sustainable tourism. Fresh ingredients are bought straight from the locals and you have the chance to get join in the tree planting program if you are staying here or at Abai Jungle Lodge.
There are 33 chalets available and a guided nature trail. Nature lovers would be excited to know that the main activities are exploring the Kinabatangan River, through guided nature walks and gliding across the water in boats. If you’re lucky you can witness Proboscis monkeys feeding from the river’s edge or orangutans, pygmy elephants, otters, crocodiles and countless beautiful birds.
Price: Packages start at USD 218 per pax (2 pax minimum)
Address: Sukau, Kinabatangan, Malaysia
Contact No.: +60 13-886 9501
Website: Here
7. Poring Hot Spring and Nature Reserve
Located at the foot of Mount Kinabalu, Poring Hot Spring and Nature Reserve is idyllically placed for some much needed rest and relaxation after a big climb.
At the edge of the Mamut River, guests will find an orchid conservation centre, tropical gardens with an animal rehabilitation farm, a butterfly farm, a canopy walkway or soak in one of its therapeutic hot spring.
There are a total of 10 Rooms, a canopy walkway & pool, guest may spot the Rafflesia flower, the world’s largest flower reaching up to a metre in diameter.
All rooms are spacious and have a TV, mini bar and tea & coffee making facilities.
Price: N/A (please refer to travel websites or agents)
Address: Lohanbongkut, Poring Hot Spring Village, A4 Road, Ranau, Kinabalu National Park, Malaysia 89308
Contact No.: +60 88-878 801
Website: Here
8. Tabin Wildlife Resort
It’s the only lodge located within Tabin Wildlife Reserve, the largest wildlife reserve in Malaysia, with a total land area of 123,000 hectares. The resort encompasses charming timber lodges built and blended into the natural surroundings, and has a wide range of nature-based activities.
There are a total of 20 jungle lodges comprising 10 River Lodges and 10 Hill Lodges (made from Borneo timber) and accommodate up to 3 guests per lodge. Also, lodges are linked by an interconnecting timber board walk to the Sunbird Café.
Tabin Wildlife Reserve has a network of nature trails, offering various attractions such as trekking through the nature trails provides a wonderful chance to explore and learn about the exotic rainforest flora and fauna and the opportunity to sight rare and endangered wildlife.
Price: Packages from RM1,450
Address: KM 49, Jalan Tungku, Lahad Datu, Sabah
Contact No.: +60 88-267 266
Website: Here
9. Rungus Longhouse
To truly experience the life of one of the tribes in Sabah, one must immerse one’s self in the culture, and where better than the Rungus (ethnic group from Kudat) longhouse?
However, I must warn you to not expect 5-star accommodations as this is a traditional longhouse with basic facilities.
Choose from 12 rooms are with comfortable beds with mosquito nets. Showers are communal with a few on the premises and there are western style toilets for that added bit of comfort. The focus here is on communal living and get getting to know the culture of the friendly local people.
Price: N/A (please refer to travel websites or agents)
Address: Kampung Bavanggazo, Kudat, Sabah
Contact No.: +60 88 614088 | +60 88 621971
Website: Here
10. Sabah Tea Garden
Yet again, a beautiful base located near Mount Kinabalu, witness the tea gardens and factory itself, as well as poring hot springs and Kinabalu National Park.
There are 4 different types of accommodation to choose from which are longhouses, cottages, a guesthouse and camping grounds.
After a tiring climb up the majestic Mount Kinabalu, one can immerse themselves in the beautiful tea gardens which are the main location where tea is harvested to make the popular ‘Sabah Tea’.
There are so many activities available such as tour of the tea gardens and factory, archery, batik painting as well as jungle and river trekking. For larger groups there are team building activities, obstacle courses and survival skill training.
Price: N/A (please refer to travel websites or agents)
Address: Km17, Jalan Ranau, 88851 Ranau
Contact No.: +60 88-440 882
Website: Here
11. Laban Rata
One of the most well-known places in Sabah, Laban Rata is a modest resort which seeks to provide warmth and shelter to those brave enough to climb the imposing Mount Kinabalu.
It is located before the harrowing journey to the peak of the mountain. There are a range of dormitories and rooms available including shared rooms but, if you want more of your personal space then there are private bedrooms available.
This is the only accommodation to the peak of Mount Kinabalu and has sheltered many climbers.
Price: N/A (please refer to travel websites or agents)
Address: Lot G15, Ground Floor, Wisma Sabah, 88000, Kota Kinabalu
Contact No.: +60 88-267 289
12. Sepilok Nature Resort
This quaint resort provides access to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. It is made of wooden chalets dotted around a lake amongst breath-taking gardens (with over 150 different orchid species) and rolling hills.
The timber chalets are laid around a beautiful natural lake and each has a private veranda with gorgeous jungle and lake views. Each chalet is equipped with air conditioning and a private bathroom with hot and cold running water.
Price: N/A (please refer to travel websites or agents)
Address: Block P, Bandar Sabindo, 90000 Sepilok
Contact No.: +60 89-673 999
Website: Here
Borneo Awaits
The Jungle Book never felt more real than these natural and eco-friendly havens. What are you waiting for? Come to Borneo and indulge your nature-loving side, relax and just let the serenity overwhelm you.